Sustainability strategies for PV: framework, status and needs

The large-scale deployment of photovoltaics (PV) is a central pillar in decarbonizing energy systems and reaching climate goals. Although PV is inherently associated to environmental awareness, it is not immune to reputational risks nor exempt of a responsibility for transparency and sustainability leadership. So far, advances in the PV industry have mainly been shaped by cost-reduction targets. We identified in previous works 16 topics where the PV sector comes short in addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. In this paper, practical approaches to address each of these sustainability gaps are proposed. The best-practices identified cover all aspects of sustainability as defined by SDG 12-from resource use and hazardous substances through corporate reporting and risk assessment to due diligence and waste management. Insights on methodological needs to improve sustainability assessment and accounting in PV are also provided. The compiled list of actions needed, although not intended to be exhaustive, constitutes a starting point for stakeholders to raise their ambitions and achieve more sustainability in PV value chains.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the shortcomings of the photovoltaic industry in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 and proposes practical approaches to address sustainability gaps. The identified best practices cover all aspects of sustainability as defined by SDG 12, and insights on improving sustainability assessment and accounting methods are provided for stakeholders to enhance sustainability in photovoltaic value chains. The compiled list of actions needed serves as a starting point for stakeholders to raise their ambitions and achieve greater sustainability in the PV sector.